imprimatur_fw-la may_n 30._o 1673._o sam._n parker_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o etc._n etc._n by_o william_n sherlock_n rector_n of_o s_o t_o george_n buttolph_n lane_n london_n london_n print_v by_o i._n m._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxiv_o the_o preface_n christian_n reader_n i_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o so_o honest_a a_o design_n in_o write_v this_o discourse_n that_o i_o be_o very_o very_a well_o arm_v against_o those_o various_a censure_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a reward_n of_o such_o attempt_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sanctuary_n against_o the_o rude_a clamour_n and_o the_o most_o unjust_a reproach_n as_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v to_o see_v so_o many_o well-disposed_a person_n abuse_v with_o word_n and_o phrase_n which_o either_o signify_v nothing_o or_o have_v a_o very_a ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a or_o a_o very_a bad_a sense_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o great_a zeal_n which_o some_o man_n have_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o great_a instrument_n they_o may_v be_v of_o god_n glory_n be_v their_o zeal_n direct_v and_o govern_v with_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n and_o when_o i_o have_v observe_v how_o innocent_o and_o virtuous_o some_o of_o those_o man_n live_v who_o have_v espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o bad_a i_o have_v think_v what_o excellent_a person_n they_o may_v prove_v do_v they_o right_o understand_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n as_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o at_o first_o engage_v i_o in_o this_o work_n to_o rectify_v those_o mistake_n which_o will_v either_o make_v man_n bad_a or_o hinder_v and_o retard_v their_o progress_n in_o true_a goodness_n which_o be_v so_o pious_a and_o charitable_a a_o design_n as_o may_v at_o least_o plead_v my_o excuse_n though_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_a zeal_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o personal_a reflection_n have_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n which_o i_o be_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o hope_v may_v be_v more_o orthodox_n than_o their_o judgement_n i_o have_v represent_v their_o opinion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o their_o word_n than_o they_o intend_v and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o reason_n any_o man_n have_v to_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o i_o repeat_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o think_v fit_a to_o publish_v where_o they_o pretend_v to_o argue_v grave_o i_o have_v examine_v their_o argument_n with_o all_o possible_a gravity_n and_o solemnity_n where_o they_o plain_o toy_n and_o trifle_n i_o have_v so_o far_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n as_o to_o smile_v sometime_o though_o as_o modest_o as_o any_o man_n can_v desire_v i_o have_v take_v care_n not_o only_o to_o unteach_v man_n what_o be_v amiss_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o consirm_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o rectify_v mistake_n i_o design_v to_o expose_v all_o religion_n what_o man_n will_v account_v severe_a i_o can_v tell_v because_o the_o gentle_a argument_n will_v appear_v severe_a to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v pinch_v by_o they_o but_o i_o have_v give_v no_o hard_a word_n and_o have_v sometime_o call_v thing_n by_o soft_a name_n than_o they_o deserve_v on_o purpose_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n which_o be_v now_o the_o common_a artifice_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_n what_o they_o can_v answer_v and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o i_o can_v escape_v without_o some_o hard_a name_n and_o hard_a censure_n i_o must_v be_v content_v with_o my_o portion_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o expect_v better_a usage_n who_o consider_v that_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o who_o have_v deserve_v so_o well_o for_o his_o pious_a labour_n can_v not_o escape_v when_o he_o touch_v upon_o their_o darling_n notion_n and_o now_o christian_a reader_n i_o shall_v beg_v no_o more_o of_o thou_o than_o to_o read_v this_o discourse_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o as_o i_o do_v not_o compose_v it_o without_o implore_v the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n so_o i_o recommend_v it_o to_o thou_o with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v as_o useful_a as_o my_o intention_n be_v honest_a and_o charitable_a farewell_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n concern_v the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n in_o scripture_n that_o it_o original_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n but_o be_v use_v also_o to_o signify_v the_o person_n invest_v with_o this_o office_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n pag._n 1._o of_o what_o use_n the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n 14_o as_o first_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o we_o 15_o 2._o it_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n 17_o 3._o it_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n 18_o 4._o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n 19_o 5._o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o no_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o undertake_n 21_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o various_a way_n whereby_o god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n 25_o dr._n owen_n notion_n of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n consider_v 38_o how_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n may_v be_v learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 42._o and_o how_o we_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o with_o respect_n to_o sin_n 49._o and_o to_o righteousness_n 53._o and_o our_o wisdom_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n 55_o a_o new_a scheme_n of_o religion_n deduce_v from_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n 57_o how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o find_v religion_n on_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o at_o most_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a reason_n 76_o this_o way_n will_v serve_v other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o another_o scheme_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ._n 80_o of_o expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n 102_o and_o by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 118_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n 142_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n 142_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n 143_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n call_v himself_o a_o vine_n 145_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v not_o natural_a but_o political_a 156_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o shepherd_n head_z and_o husband_n 157._o the_o reason_n of_o these_o metaphor_n 159_o this_o political_a union_n be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a or_o true_a and_o real_a and_o what_o this_o external_a union_n be_v 168_o wherein_o the_o real_a union_n consist_v and_o concern_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ._n 171_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n 172._o and_o by_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n 174_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v god_n temple_n 175_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n represent_v in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 181_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture-phrase_n signify_v this_o political_a union_n 186_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o only_a act_n whereby_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v express_v 192_o of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n 196_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 200_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n consider_v 206_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n 216_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n 228_o concern_v the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n 234_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n 235_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o
scripture_n be_v press_v to_o serve_v every_o new-fangled_a conceit_n in_o religion_n the_o wild_a and_o most_o extravagant_a opinion_n that_o be_v ever_o yet_o vent_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n have_v pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o patronage_n though_o any_o unprejudiced_a man_n will_v wonder_v how_o the_o read_v such_o place_n of_o scripture_n shall_v suggest_v such_o notion_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o man_n first_o contrive_v their_o religion_n as_o these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ_n do_v and_o possess_v their_o fancy_n thorough_o with_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o then_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o find_v something_o there_o to_o stamp_v divinity_n on_o their_o own_o conceit_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a sense_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o strong_a imagination_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o any_o thing_n such_o man_n 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scripture_n from_o their_o own_o preconceived_n notion_n and_o opinion_n and_o prove_v that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n because_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o their_o dream_n which_o be_v call_v expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n first_o they_o expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n that_o be_v if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o chime_n to_o the_o tune_n of_o their_o private_a conceit_n without_o ever_o consider_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v find_v they_o clap_v their_o own_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o serve_v for_o very_o solid_a and_o substantial_a proof_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o way_n thus_o when_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o fancy_n of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n then_o to_o know_v christ_n can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o know_v his_o person_n and_o all_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o beauty_n fullness_n and_o preciousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v wisdom_n to_o we_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o we_o must_v learn_v all_o our_o spiritual_a wisdom_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n though_o some_o dull_a man_n can_v understand_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n thus_o when_o man_n have_v first_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n to_o place_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o free_a communication_n of_o pardon_n and_o grace_n righteousness_n and_o salvation_n what_o more_o plain_a proof_n can_v any_o man_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v this_o desire_v of_o it_o than_o first_o ep._n john_n 5._o 12._o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n for_o what_o can_v have_a the_o son_n signify_v but_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o be_v make_v one_o with_o he_o though_o some_o will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n but_o the_o phrase_n of_o have_v the_o son_n confute_v that_o dull_a and_o moral_a interpretation_n especial_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v call_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o abide_n in_o he_o which_o must_v signify_v a_o very_a near_o union_n between_o christ_n person_n and_o we_o such_o as_o there_o be_v between_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o one_o another_o which_o make_v all_o christ_n we_o and_o we_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v self_n evident_a that_o before_o we_o can_v thus_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o must_v go_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o this_o union_n be_v very_o lucky_o call_v come_v to_o christ_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o salvation_n which_o metaphor_n of_o come_v and_o go_v be_v a_o very_a intelligible_a explication_n of_o believe_v but_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v come_v to_o christ_n be_v this_o enough_o no_o sure_o the_o soul_n then_o must_v receive_v christ_n as_o saint_n john_n tell_v we_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1._o 12._o that_o faith_n which_o serve_v we_o for_o leg_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n must_v be_v a_o hand_n to_o receive_v he_o and_o to_o apply_v all_o his_o merit_n and_o fullness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o now_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o we_o must_v embrace_v he_o in_o our_o arm_n too_o as_o good_a old_a simeon_n do_v when_o he_o find_v he_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o little_o near_a union_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n who_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o of_o and_o embrace_v they_o hebr._n 11._o 13._o and_o now_o we_o have_v christ_n we_o must_v trust_v and_o lean_a upon_o he_o as_o we_o be_v often_o command_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n which_o signify_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o find_v and_o feel_v our_o own_o weakness_n as_o unable_a to_o support_v ourselves_o we_o do_v lean_a and_o rest_v on_o christ_n and_o if_o lean_v be_v not_o enough_o we_o may_v make_v a_o little_a more_o bold_a and_o roll_v on_o he_o as_o appear_v from_o psalne_v 37._o 5._o roll_v thy_o way_n on_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o original_a gal_n signify_v which_o be_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o seek_v ease_n we_o at_o last_o discharge_v our_o load_n and_o cast_v it_o on_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o phrase_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o on_o he_o 1_o peter_n 2._o 6._o for_o what_o can_v that_o signify_v but_o lean_v and_o roll_a on_o he_o lay_v and_o build_v ourselves_o on_o he_o as_o on_o a_o foundation_n and_o now_o we_o have_v thus_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v commit_v they_o to_o his_o trust_n to_o take_v charge_n of_o they_o and_o save_v they_o and_o if_o they_o perish_v it_o will_v be_v his_o fault_n and_o he_o must_v give_v account_n of_o it_o thus_o saint_n paul_n do_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n and_o now_o we_o must_v hide_v our_o self_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n as_o the_o dove_n hide_v in_o the_o rock_n cant._n 2._o 14._o o_o my_o loveliness_n dove_n in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n christ_n wound_n be_v the_o
and_o the_o peculiar_a mood_n of_o speak_v in_o every_o language_n and_o in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o urge_v metaphor_n no_o further_o than_o their_o first_o intention_n without_o which_o we_o may_v deal_v by_o all_o author_n as_o these_o man_n deal_v by_o the_o scripture_n make_v they_o speak_v nonsense_n or_o as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o venerable_a mystery_n and_o overthrow_n and_o contradict_v their_o own_o design_n and_o this_o be_v their_o first_o way_n of_o expound_v otherwise_o call_v adulterate_v and_o debauch_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n second_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v than_o they_o argue_v and_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o their_o own_o preconceive_a notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o religion_n pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o own_o scheme_n and_o fancy_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o truth_n prove_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o its_o agreement_n with_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o be_v such_o a_o trick_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v get_v to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n i_o may_v give_v instance_n of_o this_o in_o abundance_n but_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o some_o few_o lest_o i_o tire_v myself_o and_o my_o reader_n thus_o after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n have_v peace_n with_o god_n by_o faith_n be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n now_o how_o do_v you_o think_v shall_v all_o these_o scripture_n be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o notion_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o faith_n certain_o be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o why_o this_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n to_o these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ._n for_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o justify_v and_o save_v etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o absolute_o that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o of_o faith_n consider_v as_o faith_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o relative_o that_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v we_o one_o with_o he_o by_o who_o we_o be_v justify_v faith_n apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n justify_v now_o this_o distinction_n be_v plain_o owe_v to_o their_o preconceive_a opinion_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v stumble_v on_o it_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n justify_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v that_o it_o justify_v and_o save_v instrumental_o and_o relative_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o that_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v faith_n but_o as_o it_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o plain_a word_n signify_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v though_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o say_v it_o do_v but_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o interpretation_n be_v very_o plain_a for_o shall_v faith_n justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o be_v as_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v as_o bad_a as_o good_a work_n and_o as_o perfect_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o have_v justification_n be_v promise_v to_o any_o thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o or_o do_v by_o we_o it_o have_v be_v of_o desert_n not_o of_o grace_n of_o wage_n not_o of_o mercy_n if_o god_n have_v promise_v justification_n upon_o any_o work_n of_o we_o have_v say_v we_o must_v bring_v so_o much_o humiliation_n so_o much_o repentance_n so_o much_o break_v of_o spirit_n so_o much_o grace_n so_o many_o prayer_n alms-deed_n or_o so_o much_o faith_n as_o our_o own_o act_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o grace_n not_o of_o free_a mercy_n though_o modest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o dream_v of_o merit_v by_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v will_v have_v think_v that_o free_a grace_n and_o faith_n may_v have_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v though_o faith_n have_v justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n since_o the_o reward_n and_o recompense_n do_v so_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o work_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o merit_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n the_o reward_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n whatever_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o this_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o metaphor_n or_o two_o of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n some_o more_o apt_a than_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o virtue_n be_v not_o in_o faith_n but_o in_o christ_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o a_o ring_n which_o have_v 64._o a_o precious_a stone_n in_o it_o which_o will_v staunch_v blood_n we_o say_v the_o ring_n staunch_v blood_n but_o the_o virtue_n do_v not_o bare_o lie_v in_o the_o ring_n but_o in_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o ring_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o ring_n christ_n the_o precious_a stone_n all_o that_o faith_n do_v be_v to_o bring_v home_n christ_n merit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o it_o justify_v so_o that_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v out_o a_o improper_a and_o absurd_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o use_n among_o the_o vulgar_a or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o invent_v one_o as_o this_o gentleman_n do_v for_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o this_o before_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o improper_o as_o unlearned_a man_n talk_v or_o think_v or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o fancy_v faith_n a_o ring_n and_o christ_n a_o precious_a stone_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o that_o legal_a and_o meritorious_a way_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o thus_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o be_v a_o receptive_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o receive_v the_o gold_n that_o enrich_v so_o faith_n receive_v of_o christ_n merit_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o enrich_a grace_n in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v 65._o vein_n that_o suck_v the_o nourishment_n that_o come_v into_o the_o stomach_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n faith_n be_v such_o a_o suck_a vein_n that_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o precious_a faith_n be_v not_o this_o very_a plain_n now_o to_o he_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n just_a as_o the_o body_n be_v nourish_v by_o the_o stomach_n and_o now_o to_o make_v all_o clear_a we_o may_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n why_o god_n choose_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o justification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o humble_a ibidem_fw-la grace_n and_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o free_a grace_n if_o repentance_n shall_v fetch_v justification_n from_o christ_n a_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v this_o be_v for_o my_o tear_n strange_a deserve_a creature_n these_o who_o can_v dream_v of_o merit_a heaven_n with_o a_o few_o tear_n but_o faith_n be_v humble_a it_o be_v a_o empty_a hand_n and_o what_o merit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o do_v a_o poor_a man_n reach_v out_o his_o hand_n merit_v a_o alm_n yes_o just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o few_o tear_n merit_v heaven_n faith_n be_v only_o a_o golden_a bucket_n that_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n but_o why_o may_v not_o those_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v conceit_v of_o merit_n grow_v as_o proud_a that_o they_o have_v a_o golden_a bucket_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a well_o be_v their_o own_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o these_o man_n deal_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o poor_a humble_a faith_n make_v what_o they_o please_v of_o they_o to_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o purpose_n that_o faith_n be_v sometime_o foot_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n sometime_o a_o hand_n to_o receive_v he_o a_o mouth_n to_o feed_v on_o he_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v fiducial_o on_o he_o a_o ring_n to_o hold_v this_o precious_a stone_n a_o vein_n to_o suck_v justification_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a stomach_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o very_a new_a conceit_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n i_o never_o before_o read_v that_o he_o be_v the_o stomach_n a_o bucket_n to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o this_o well_o christ_n though_o in_o this_o they_o be_v very_o civil_a to_o faith_n in_o make_v it_o a_o
it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v a_o fullness_n to_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v call_v life_n and_o righteousness_n the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o we_o whether_o christ_n have_v all_o fullness_n in_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v our_o life_n and_o righteousness_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o the_o dispute_n be_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n attribute_n all_o this_o to_o christ._n they_o say_v that_o these_o be_v the_o personal_a grace_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n which_o be_v inherent_a in_o he_o and_o must_v be_v derive_v from_o his_o person_n we_o say_v they_o signify_v the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o most_o complete_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o powerful_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n as_o it_o prescribe_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o immortality_n now_o to_o bring_v this_o controversy_n to_o a_o issue_n there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n than_o to_o examine_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o learn_v their_o sense_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o take_v scripture_n phrase_n and_o put_v what_o sense_n they_o please_v on_o they_o we_o may_v quick_o have_v as_o many_o different_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v different_a fancy_n among_o man_n to_o begin_v then_o with_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o place_n in_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o be_v in_o john_n 1._o 16._o and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n now_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o fullness_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o verse_n 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o we_o behâ—ld_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o fullness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v ver._n 17._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o grace_n and_o truth_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o grace_n and_o truth_n signify_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v express_o call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n titus_n 2._o 11._o and_o contain_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n be_v truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o type_n and_o figure_n this_o be_v the_o fullness_n we_o receive_v from_o christ_n a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o excellent_a promise_n that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v grace_n and_o prescribe_v such_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a religion_n so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v truth_n this_o fullness_n dwell_v only_o in_o christ_n and_o from_o he_o alone_o we_o receive_v it_o for_o none_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v before_o he_o do_v so_o perfect_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o he_o do_v no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o v_o 18._o that_o be_v no_o man_n ever_o before_o have_v so_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v here_o call_v see_v god_n because_o sight_n give_v we_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o particular_a knowledge_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o perfect_o understand_v all_o his_o most_o secret_a counsel_n have_v perfect_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n to_o we_o and_o hence_o that_o fullness_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o christ_n be_v explain_v by_o grace_n for_o grace_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n grace_n for_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o preposition_n signify_v only_o that_o abundance_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v now_o manifest_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o difference_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v it_o by_o vice_n as_o st._n austin_n pro_fw-la legis_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la quae_fw-la praeteriit_fw-la gratiam_fw-la evangelii_n accepimus_fw-la permanentem_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la vmbris_fw-la &_o imaginibus_fw-la veteris_fw-la instrumenti_fw-la gratia_fw-la &_o veritas_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la facta_fw-la est_fw-la that_o instead_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v now_o past_a we_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v constant_a and_o permanent_a and_o instead_o of_o the_o shadow_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v grace_n and_o truth_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o thus_o nonna_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o force_a sense_n for_o the_o law_n be_v no_o where_o call_v grace_n but_o grace_n be_v express_o oppose_v to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n but_o however_o this_o you_o see_v they_o agree_v in_o that_o by_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n they_o understand_v the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a declaration_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n now_o though_o every_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o fullness_n be_v first_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n love_v to_o speak_v before_o he_o can_v communicate_v it_o to_o we_o that_o be_v that_o he_o first_o perfect_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n himself_o before_o he_o can_v declare_v it_o to_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o this_o personal_a fullness_n we_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o but_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o whatever_o fullness_n be_v in_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o communicate_v this_o fullness_n to_o we_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o 2._o col._n 9_o 10._o for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a and_o you_o be_v complete_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fill_v in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o phrase_n that_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o deity_n bodily_a which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o allusive_a and_o metaphorical_a expression_n for_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o colosian_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o be_v seduce_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o gnostic_n who_o talk_v very_o much_o in_o their_o cant_a phrase_n of_o the_o pleromata_fw-la to_o corrupt_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n with_o jewish_a ceremony_n or_o pagan_a superstition_n ver._n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o the_o principal_a argument_n he_o urge_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n that_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n ver._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v not_o in_o who_o be_v hide_v as_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n but_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o hide_a treasure_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o be_v who_o have_v now_o reveal_v to_o we_o all_o those_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o in_o former_a age_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o ver._n 6_o 7._o to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v they_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o
after_o christ._n that_o be_v lest_o their_o mind_n be_v corrupt_v through_o philosophical_a speculation_n or_o traditionary_a superstition_n in_o worship_v daemon_n and_o angel_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o owe_v their_o original_n only_o to_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n of_o mankind_n and_o then_o he_o add_v for_o in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a so_o that_o this_o must_v refer_v to_o that_o complete_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o need_v not_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o philosophy_n or_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o phrase_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o type_n and_o figure_n which_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n for_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n be_v god_n house_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v and_o the_o mercy_n seat_n and_o cherubim_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o emblem_n of_o god_n presence_n there_o and_o this_o symbolical_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o that_o symbolical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o he_o then_o institute_v and_o command_v he_o dwell_v among_o they_o by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o fore_o institute_v a_o typical_a and_o figurative_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v a_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a declaration_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n but_o now_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o john_n 1._o 14._o the_o deity_n itself_o now_o dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o by_o type_n and_o figure_n as_o former_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o a_o real_a and_o immediate_a presence_n and_o union_n and_o therefore_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v by_o christ_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o he_o contain_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o imperfect_a rudiment_n and_o obscure_a type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bodily_a be_v oppose_v to_o figurative_a and_o typical_a and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n dwell_v substantial_o in_o christ_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o so_o excellent_a a_o prophet_n as_o he_o be_v in_o who_o the_o deity_n itself_o inhabit_v have_v perfect_o reveal_v god_n will_v to_o we_o all_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v accomplish_v in_o christ_n person_n he_o be_v that_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n which_o the_o temple_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o god_n dwell_v among_o we_o and_o his_o religion_n answer_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a not_o by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o his_o religion_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d too_o all_o truth_n and_o substance_n the_o law_n be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o the_o body_n be_v of_o christ_n ver._n 17._o his_o religion_n be_v body_n truth_n and_o substance_n so_o that_o this_o place_n be_v exact_o parallel_n with_o john_n 1._o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tabernacle_v among_o we_o herein_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v fulfil_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o our_o flesh_n and_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n be_v full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n not_o a_o typical_a and_o figurative_a but_o a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n and_o as_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v that_o we_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v by_o he_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o our_o apostle_n add_v here_o and_o you_o be_v complete_a in_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fill_v in_o he_o you_o need_v no_o other_o instructor_n but_o christ_n who_o have_v reveal_v as_o much_o of_o god_n will_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v so_o that_o this_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o christ_n do_v ultimate_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n for_o since_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n do_v inhabit_v in_o christ_n person_n we_o need_v not_o question_n but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o the_o force_n of_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v notice_n of_o john_n 3._o 34_o 35._o for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v declare_v his_o whole_a will_n to_o we_o for_o god_n give_v not_o the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o mean_a prophet_n who_o have_v only_o some_o particular_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n but_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a the_o father_n love_v the_o son_n and_o have_v give_v all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n you_o see_v signify_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o other_o place_n this_o fullness_n signify_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n eph._n 1._o 22_o 23._o and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o where_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o make_v he_o as_o it_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a for_o he_o can_v be_v a_o perfect_a head_n without_o a_o body_n hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v christ._n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o immediate_o follow_v for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o beza_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o phrase_n which_o so_o frequent_o occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o extent_n and_o universality_n that_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o take_v in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n bond_n and_o free_a for_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o col._n 1._o 19_o for_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v which_o word_n be_v common_o expound_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o col._n 2._o 9_o for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a but_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o context_n we_o shall_v see_v reason_n for_o a_o different_a sense_n and_o beza_n observe_v that_o some_o expositor_n by_o his_o fullness_n in_o this_o place_n understand_v the_o church_n for_o vers._n 18._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n for_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v where_o fullness_n must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o unite_v his_o church_n into_o christ_n for_o the_o apostle_n assign_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v why_o the_o church_n be_v call_v fullness_n and_o all_o fullness_n say_v to_o dwell_v in_o christ_n the_o reason_n follow_v in_o 20_o 21._o and_o have_v make_v peace_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n by_o he_o i_o say_v whether_o they_o be_v thing_n in_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o you_o who_o be_v sometime_o alienate_v and_o enemy_n in_o your_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n yet_o now_o have_v he_o reconcile_v this_o be_v that_o fullness_n that_o dwell_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v now_o unite_v in_o one_o
body_n that_o whereas_o in_o former_a age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n now_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v the_o universal_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o and_o this_o too_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v his_o fullness_n because_o he_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v do_v not_o confine_v his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n but_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n signify_v in_o eph._n 4._o 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o perfect_a man_n that_o be_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o become_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o age_n and_o growth_n and_o stature_n of_o a_o man_n the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o either_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o those_o man_n skill_n in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o make_v this_o fullness_n a_o personal_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n they_o can_v find_v or_o fancy_n in_o he_o all_o the_o furniture_n that_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o fullness_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n the_o fullness_n of_o love_n in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o habitual_a grace_n fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n fullness_n of_o merit_n fullness_n of_o power_n and_o virtue_n a_o fullness_n of_o justification_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o sanctification_n which_o fullness_n i_o be_o sure_a have_v confound_v man_n notion_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o must_v drink_v grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n and_o he_o be_v so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o power_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v call_v life_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n hence_o in_o joh._n 1._o 4._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o enlighten_v the_o dark_a mind_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o life_n shall_v be_v light_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o this_o word_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n preach_v enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v all_o the_o mist_n of_o error_n and_o ignorance_n hence_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o joh._n 14._o 6._o that_o be_v i_o declare_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o consequent_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o without_o learning_n of_o i_o thus_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n joh._n 6._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v vers._n 33._o and_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n vers._n 51._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o bread_n that_o i_o will_v give_v be_v my_o flesh_n which_o i_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n because_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a follower_n joh._n 11._o 26_o 27._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v that_o be_v he_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o will_v actual_o raise_v all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o reward_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o joh._n 5._o 25_o 26._o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v he_o first_o raise_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o then_o have_v authority_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o immortal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n too_o of_o that_o expression_n in_o col._n 3._o 3_o 4._o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v you_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o be_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o that_o immortal_a life_n which_o you_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v with_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v at_o present_a conceal_v from_o your_o view_n yet_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a shall_v appear_v the_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n then_o shall_v you_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v publish_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o confirm_v all_o these_o promise_n to_o we_o and_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a himself_o have_v now_o power_n to_o raise_v we_o we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o fetch_v life_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o with_o christ_n we_o must_v steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o may_v joyful_o expect_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o reward_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o obedience_n with_o immortal_a life_n thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o these_o man_n call_v personal_a grace_n too_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o at_o large_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 24._o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v all_o for_o sign_n and_o miracle_n the_o greek_n be_v for_o curious_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o may_v gratify_v their_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o therefore_o